Biddulph Wealth Management Ltd

The uncertainty surrounding the situation in the Middle East is breeding a sense of unease in the markets and investors. In recent days, we have seen the price of oil fluctuate considerably. However, the broader market reaction has been relatively contained so far.

As Hetal Mehta, SJP’s Chief Economist says, “the current flare up in tensions has caught the attention of markets more than other recent episodes, thanks to Iran’s position as the ninth largest oil producer globally (and fourth largest in OPEC). A further area for concern is whether the Strait of Hormuz is shut down; about 20% of global oil and a substantial share of global trade passes through this shipping route.”

It’s only natural to worry about the impact sustained conflict or rising political risks may have on portfolio returns. Markets can and do react to such events. We’ve seen this before. But this is typically a short-term reaction.

Read more: https://www.obwealth.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/five-things-to-consider-amid-market-uncertainty

Opening a child’s pension is one of the most tax-efficient ways to save for your child’s long-term future – and it can help mitigate your own Inheritance Tax liability too.

Only a parent or guardian can set up a pension for a child, but then anyone can contribute.

By starting early, even small contributions to a child’s pension have time to grow, with the power of compounding.

Children’s pensions. They might not be top of mind while you’re still reading bedtime stories and helping with homework. But investing in a pension for your children can set them up for long-term financial wellbeing.

Read more: https://www.obwealth.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/pensions-for-children-what-you-need-to-know

How much do I need?

By age 30, you should have the equivalent of a year’s salary in the bank or in your pension.

By 50, you should have six times your salary in your retirement savings.

A financial adviser can give you retirement savings advice, support and strategy that will put you on course towards a great retirement.

Read more: https://www.obwealth.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/when-do-i-need-to-start-saving-for-retirement

Apple makes history as first $3 trillion company amid tech stock surge globalbankingandfinance.com

Active investing involves fund managers making operational decisions over what to invest in - a hands-on approach. Passive investors look to replicate a given index or market - a longer term approach. Both strategies have their strengths and weaknesses, but which is better?

Active vs passive investing - which is better? partnership.sjp.co.uk

Your 7-minute update on last week's market news:

Stock Take 📈: Global equities finished the quarter on a high note, with the majority of the major indexes finishing the week in positive territory.
Wealth Check 💰: If you reached your State Pension age before April 2016, and divorced later in life, you could be missing out on unclaimed State Pension.
In The Picture 📸: How do the global top ten companies perform in comparison to the S&P 500.

WeekWatch - 03/07/2023 partnership.sjp.co.uk

For you to reach the next level in your business journey, you may need to adjust your strategy. This can mean bringing in new skills and capabilities.

But what makes a good board for a growing company?

What makes a good board for a growing company? partnership.sjp.co.uk

Another knock for renters as rising interest rates are putting pressure on landlords, pushing some to consider selling up, surveyors say.

More pain for renters as landlords look to sell up www.bbc.co.uk

Keeping track of key financial metrics such as sales, costs, profit and cash flow, and analysing them regularly, can help you ensure your business is in good health.

Business intelligence for start-ups: how to tell your story in numbers partnership.sjp.co.uk

Faced with difficult market conditions, many SMEs will be looking for cost improvements and efficiencies to help protect their squeezed margins. Here are six ways to keep a lid on costs in your business.

How to deal with rising costs: six ways to boost efficiency partnership.sjp.co.uk